News

Jul 28, 2014

Ben Chafin Doesn't Know the Difference Between a Rifle and a Shotgun

Lies about Hymes’ 2nd Amendment positions to hide his shame

In an attempt to mislead the voters of Southwest Virginia, Ben Chafin took wild shots at Mike Hymes’ stance on guns – and missed badly. A Chafin campaign update highlighted the startling revelation that Ben Chafin does not know the difference between a bolt action rifle and a pump action shotgun, and a recent press release included blatant lies about Mike Hymes’ positions on gun owners’ rights.

In a campaign email, Chafin referenced images from Hymes’ campaign literature, stating, “…the gun in the photos is little more than a prop as no true sportsman would fire a rifle without closing the bolt.” The firearm featured in the campaign literature is actually a J. Stevens Arms & Tool 12 gauge pump action shotgun that was handed down to Mike by his father. It does not have a bolt action.

“A true sportsman knows the difference between a pump action shotgun and a bolt action rifle,” said Hymes. “The firearm featured in my campaign material is a pump action shotgun. But I might be willing to give Ben a pass on this one. Who would actually expect a millionaire lawyer to know the difference anyway?” he chuckled.

Chafin’s second wild shot was made in a press release issued by his campaign late Friday night, where he lied about Hymes’ positions on gun registration and weapons bans. Mike Hymes is on the record with both the National Rifle Association and the Virginia Citizens Defense League in opposing any form of gun registration or any type of gun ban.

In fact, Hymes received a “Very Pro-Gun” rating from the VCDL, and an “AQ” rating from the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund. This rating is awarded to, “A pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the candidate’s responses to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and who does not have a voting record on Second Amendment issues.”